On the Road

Well, we did get off on the 3^rd of April but not until late in the day. Not a surprise. Loading the coach is always a challenge. Recently we downsized to 24-foot travel van. Theoretically, shrinking the task by about 20 feet should simplify and shorten the process of loading but the theory didn’t hold. NOW, we must be extremely selective in what we choose to take with us, whereas with the former Class A we could carry anything including the kitchen sink. 

Apart from the selection, finding a location to store things is daunting. The manufacturer of our Leisure Unity was creative in little storage nooks scattered about the coach; however, the operative word is “little”. Golf clubs – nope. Anything superfluous – nope. We have become proponents of minimalism, of necessity. The last few items were just scattered around our space with the hopes of finding convenient storage as we travel and adjust to our new surroundings.

Tuesday, having departed the house about 4:30 pm, we only drove about three hours. We camped overnight in a somewhat primitive campground, dirt site but with full hookups, in High Springs, FL. We arose to a misty day and drove most of Wednesday in off and on rain and drizzle. 

Late in the day, having driven through the obvious cold front, we stopped for the night in Robertsdale, AL near Mobile at the Azalea Acres RV Park. It was a great Good Sam park, very neat with concrete pads, good amenities, and very friendly staff. Thursday morning, we discovered the Derailed Diner at the intersection getting back on I-10 West. It is an eclectic truck stop with lots of charm and very mediocre food. It was an interesting way to begin our day.

Thursday, was an adventure day. The allure of the sign on I-10 saying “Take the Scenic Route 90” was more than we could resist. Scenic encompassed 26 miles of beach with a score of casinos, multi colored umbrellas, and a multitude of stoplights. However, the highlight was the Home and Presidential Library of Jefferson Davis, who was president of the Confederate States of America. We enjoyed several hours immersed in history as we toured the grounds, home and Museum & Library. The home was lovingly restored after the ravages of Hurricane Katrina and there is a large modern facility housing the Souvenir Shop, Museum, and Library. 

This building represents a huge investment and I was curious how this much money was raised for such a cause. I’m not sure, but the plaque commemorating construction had the Masonic Square & Compass emblem in it’s center. Apparently, like Washington and many of our founding fathers, Davis was a Mason. In my mind, question answered.

This Friday morning as I write this from Denham Springs, LA we are looking forward to a visit with Anthony Reale and family. He works nights in Baton Rouge but lives in Lafayette, so we will probably meet them for lunch somewhere near either of the two. 

The Baton Rouge KOA is a welcoming park, again with very friendly staff, near shopping and restaurants. Last evening, to stretch our legs, we took a walk to a Bass Pro Shops nearby. It was huge and had a restaurant inside where we ate our supper. Of course, we had fish to eat.

I need to break camp, as checkout time is approaching, and I have chores to accomplish. I’ll keep in touch as the we make our way West. 

Signing off.